PETALING JAYA: Some 100 musicians from the 1970s and 1980s will be performing at a charity concert to raise funds for fellow artists who may not be doing well.
The Musicians for Musicians Benefit Concert is an initiative of Persatuan Pemuzik Tempatan Selangor (PPTS), a not-for-profit association established to aid needy local musicians.
The organiser aims to raise RM500,000 from the charity concert.
The concert will take place on Mar 15 from 2pm to 12am at the Mines International Exhibition & Convention Centre in Seri Kembangan and promises to take the crowd through the glorious music from the 70s and 80s.
Event patron Tan Sri Syed Yusof Syed Nasir said proceeds from the concert will benefit career musicians who are struggling to make ends meet while facing illnesses, disabilities, age-related problems, family tragedies and poverty.
“We have all received so much out of music, and it’s time we give a little back.
“Society is obliged to heal and care for the needy.
“Together, we can encourage, lift and strengthen one another,” he said.
“I will assist PPTS to engage with the Health Ministry to explore ways to provide musicians – including those from the current generation – with medical aid including health insurance.
“I will also help initiate discussions with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government on housing assistance for homeless musicians.
“And I hope Tourism Malaysia will respond positively to PPTS’ request to include the concert in the Visit Malaysia 2020 calendar as it is one facet of the country’s rich cultural and music heritage.”
The 10-hour concert will showcase 30 acts, including the Alleycats, Blues Gang, Roy & Fran, Headwind and Michael Veerapan & Friends.
Targeting 5,000 music lovers, young and old, the event will be the biggest reunion of top bands, duos and soloists from the golden era of Malaysian music.
“Our mission is to bring change into (musicians’) lives, to uplift, assist and help them enjoy a decent standard of living,” PPTS president Francis Danker said.
“Providing regular financial help on a sustainable basis, where it is needed.
“For example, help a musician who needs dialysis, or one who cannot pay for regular insulin or other medicines, or one who needs rehab after an accident.
“We will look into how we can be supportive of young musicians, on how to create opportunities for them to explore their talents, to inspire and encourage them, and instill professionalism and good work practices so that they can make a comfortable living in the industry.”
The concert tickets are going for RM100 per person or RM5,000 for a table of 10.
They can purchased at www.airasiaredtix.com.
theSun is the media partner for the event.
